Quebec has employment legislation (employment law) and labor standards in place that apply to all businesses operating in Quebec. Under this legislation, the employer is bound by obligations and the worker is assured of minimum working conditions concerning the hourly rate, the number of paid holidays, severance pay, work-related accidents, occupational diseases, and other social benefits. The unionization of workers is also possible.

The Quebec government has set up the Commission des Normes du travail (CNESST, a separate employment law), from which both the employee and the employer can obtain the required information or assistance. Canada also has labor law legislation that applies to federal businesses (e.g.: transportation, telecommunications, etc.)